Weight Loss Supplements - Over the Counter
Appetite Suppressants
Some OTC weight-loss products, such as Dexatrim or Acutrim, contain phenylpropanolamine
(PPA), which is used both as an appetite suppressant and a nasal decongestant.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has asked drug manufacturers to
stop selling products that contain PPA, based on studies that linked the
substance to an increased risk of bleeding in the brain (hemorrhagic stroke).
Weight Loss Product - Metabolife
Another popular OTC weight-loss product is Metabolife, an herbal dietary
supplement. Similar products include Metabolite and MetaboMax, but the
main ingredient in all of these products is ephedrine, which comes from
the ephedra plant or can be made synthetically.
Ephedrine & Weight Loss Drugs
Ephedrine has been combined with caffeine in OTC energy boosters and weight
loss drugs. Ephedrine suppresses appetite but can cause high blood pressure,
heart rate irregularities, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, seizures, heart
attacks, strokes and even death.
Ephedra & Weight Loss
Ephedra is a potent herb that is present in many products, especially
those designed to give energy or promote weight loss. It goes by many
names, such as ma-huang or herbal ecstasy. Suspect any "natural"
product that claims to cause weight loss or increase energy to have ephedra
in it, and review the product's contents with your doctor or pharmacist
before using it.
Herbal Diet Supplements - Dangers
Although the FDA has received hundreds of reports of adverse effects -
including death - from ephedrine, it can't ban products containing the
herb unless it conclusively proves them unsafe. Herbal diet supplements
aren't classified as drugs, so the FDA has no pre-market power of approval,
as it does with prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Keep in mind that even if Metabolife or
other weight-loss products were to help you lose weight initially, you'd
have to continue taking the product in order for the weight to stay off,
which is not practical or safe
Source: CBN news
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